India objects to proposed Kashmir pro-independence rally in London

Reacting strongly against a proposed anti-India rally in London, which will call for the independence of Kashmir, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday stated that it is a matter between New Delhi and Islamabad, adding that such an action would be against the open society.

"Open societies have their enemies. It is normal for open societies to have platforms where people may like to express their own opinions. However, at times these platforms are misused by enemies of open societies. And therefore, it is for those open societies to ensure that nothing is done that is inimical to their interest," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told the mediapersons here.

"We have had a discussion with our colleagues and interlocutors in the United Kingdom who assured us that their approach to this matter is that, matters between India and Pakistan are best addressed and resolved by India and Pakistan. And we have confidence as two pluralists and open societies India and the United Kingdom will not do anything that is inimical to their interests," he added.

The MEA spokesperson also pointed out that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj raised this issue during her bilateral meeting with the UK's Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during her recent visit to that country.

On October 26, the proposed rally will see thousands of people march through central London in protest against India's supposed human rights violations in Kashmir.

The rally will reportedly witness a petition being submitted to UK Prime Minister David Cameron's office at 10 Downing Street, asking Britain to push India into resolving the Kashmir impasse with Pakistan.

A similar anti-India protest rally has also been planned at Brussels on the following day.